The world celebrates Kane as a "star without sequins", only Spain does not rejoice

"A discreet and humble superstar, a footballer without sequins." The world celebrates Harry Kane, who after 25 years brings the Ballon d'Or back to England, breaking the fast that had lasted since 2001 with Michael Owen's last coronation.

The praise for the Bayern Munich center forward and captain of the Three Lions national team is almost unanimous in the aftermath of the ceremony at the London Palladium, with the exception of Spain who, despite having hoarded the prizes, wanted the most coveted one to be awarded to the home champion Lamine Yamal or at least to Real's Frenchman Kilyan Mbappe, the latter once again left without a goal. Among the first to crown the home champion was Prince Wiliams who defined Kane as an "exceptional captain" and "extraordinary footballer". The England manager, German Thomas Tuchel, also said he was "enthusiastic" about Kane's victory, calling his success a "great oren".

British newspapers are celebrating, with the Guardian underlining "the end of a twenty-five year wait for England". According to the newspaper "Kane fully deserved to win the most prestigious football trophy.

The award caps an exceptional year: he won the European Golden Shoe, played a key role in Bayern's victory as German champions, dragged England to the semi-finals of the World Cup and, above all, demonstrated extraordinary humility despite being a superstar." Beniamino in the Bundesliga "the 100 million euros invested in the striker at the time of his arrival, three years ago - when he was already 30 years old - are fully justified". Many underline how "this moment has shown that football is capable of awarding the highest recognition to men like him, who sought neither glory nor controversy".

Pun on the Sun headline "Yes he Kan!". The Daily Mail speaks of the "consecration for a superstar who overflows with discretion and who stays away from controversy". A player "who has not abused his celebrity and who, unlike Yamal, has dedicated himself to a career characterized by discreet excellence. Kane's victory is that of a player devoid of exuberant narcissism, who embodies exemplary professionalism". "A creative goalscorer, many point out. Spain has slipped away from the rain of acclaim: Yamal's uncle takes part in the dispute and contests the choice: "Kane has three days of football left in his legs, and we give him the prize", underlining that his nephew (awarded as top young player) "is the best in the world".

But the jury chose Kane and once again left Mbappè without recognition: and the Englishman shared the award "with his teams" (Bayern and the English national team), whose shirts he says he is honored to wear. "It was a special year, I would say perfect" said the new Ballon d'Or winner.